An Engagement at Pemberley

by Rosemary Barton

  “Yes, she told me.” Darcy’s tone did not give away what he might be feeling.

  “So, their estate — Long something or other…”

  “Longbourn.”

  “Yes. Longbourn. Well, their estate is entailed away from the female line. As they have no brothers to inherit, everything they have will go to a distant cousin when their father dies. Is that not tragic? Poor Miss Eliza has nothing to her name but her mother’s portion. I believe it is just one thousand pounds.” Caroline sighed and glanced up at Darcy with eyes filled with sorry. “She will have little to bring to a marriage. And her connections with trade, though her family are very good sort of people, will surely go against them. Perhaps if her father had made a different choice in his wife they might be in a better situation — ah, but there is no point in thinking that way now. Once one is married, one cannot change one’s mind, even if they did marry in a moment of passion only to discover their choice cannot make them happy. I have always been resolved that I should be most careful in whom I choose for a husband…”

  Darcy frowned. “I did not know any of that. It is unfortunate. And with five daughters to marry. Their parents’ situation cannot be easy.”

  “I have heard people say that Mrs Bennet is rather a silly, nervous woman, prone to fits and complaining. While Mr Bennet is content to allow his daughters to run wild…”

  “Miss Bennet does not run wild.”

  Caroline gave him an arch look. There was a touch of doubt in Darcy’s eyes.

  “She likes to wander and she is rather free in her manner. But I do not think she would disgrace her family,” he said, firmly.

  “Oh, of course not,” Caroline soothed. “I was thinking of the younger sisters. They are known to be notorious flirts. One family met them in London and they said they preened and threw themselves at every young man they saw. Can you imagine such behaviour? If Eliza marries a man who brings her to London for the season, it will be her duty to bring her sisters to stay to help them find husbands. I can see them now, throwing themselves at her husband’s friends and causing discomfort and embarrassment wherever they go. I feel for Miss Eliza, I really do. But she has a difficult path before her. I do not envy her.”

  Darcy looked lost in thought. “That is unfortunate,” he said in a low voice. “Miss Bennet is a delightful girl and her aunt and uncle are good people. I hope she finds someone worthy of her.”

  Caroline’s heart swelled and she beamed up at Darcy. “So do I. With all my heart.” She sighed. “But she is a nice little thing. She makes a good playmate for Georgiana.”

  “She does have a good influence on Georgiana.”

  “As long as she does not teach her to run about the streets of Derby making an exhibition of herself and chasing thieves,” said Caroline with a high laugh. “Or introduce her to her wild, flirtatious little sisters. Poor Georgiana is so very shy and finds it difficult to make friends. I should hate for her to be placed with people who would reflect badly on her.”

  “No, indeed. There are those whose behaviour arouses such disgust in me that I would not care for Georgiana to be influenced by them in the slightest.”

  Caroline felt a rush at Darcy’s flat tone. She beamed and pressed her hand to his arm as firmly as she dared. That had been nicely done, even if she did say so herself.

  27

  After playing on the pianoforte most of the morning and after the girls had their fill of experimenting with the new music, Elizabeth and Georgiana went out into the garden. Mr and Mrs Gardiner were strolling along the path near the lake and they waved at the girls to join them. They hurried in that direction. When Georgiana fell into step beside the Gardiners, Elizabeth saw Mr Bingley walking along the path towards them. He looked lost in his own world and he looked up with a start when he saw them.

  “How are you enjoying the grounds?” he asked Elizabeth when they invited him to join them.

  “Very much. I think the Darcys have the right idea in allowing so much of it to be wild. Most of the flower beds are for wild flowers. Did you notice? They are filled with bees. It reminds me of summer as soon as I hear them, and the flowers smell delicious. And look how the line of trees form a little wood around that side of the lake. How delightful it must be to sit there and have a picnic when the weather is hot. What perfect views it offers of the peaks. You can see them stretch over the tops of the woods.”

  Bingley laughed. “Darcy said you had an appreciation for nature. He said he has seen so many ladies affect a delight in everything wild and beautiful but that you are one of the rare few whose enjoyment comes from the heart.”

  Darcy spoke of her to his friend? Much as Elizabeth had cautioned herself to be sensible, she could not help feeling flattered by such a compliment. She tried not to look too pleased.

  “I am fortunate to live in a place that has a beauty to rival Derbyshire’s, though it is of a different sort,” she said. “Hertfordshire has so many woods for me to walk in. I take a long tramp through them on as many days as the weather permits. And it is in easy reach of London so I have access to resources of a different nature when I can get them. I often travel down to see my aunt and uncle.”

  Bingley looked ahead to where the Gardiners were leaning beside Georgiana as she pointed out a little rockery she had built as a child.

  “I can see why you would want to visit them often,” he said. “I have rarely met such excellent people. Your uncle and I had a marvellous conversation last night about some new plans to make warehouses safer for workers. I plan to suggest something similar to my managers.” He paused. “I must apologise if you were offended by the way my sister spoke last night. She can be a little difficult at times. I think she does not like to remember how closely linked to trade we are.”

  “I am not offended,” said Elizabeth. “Even though there are plenty who would wish me to be ashamed of my connections, I cannot bring myself to be. Aunt and Uncle Gardiner are my favourite relations, apart from my father and my older sister, Jane.”

  “You must miss them a great deal,” said Bingley. “Did your sister not care to travel with you?”

  “She is caring for my little cousins. We take it in turns to spend time with my aunt and uncle as we would not like to burden them too much. She will probably spend time with them next year.”

  “I daresay your sister is rather different to mine,” said Bingley with a rueful smile.

  Elizabeth laughed. “Jane is different to everyone. She is kind and sweet and genuinely sees the good in everyone. I have seen many people affect candour but Jane really does have it. I worry she might be taken advantage of because she is quite the most beautiful girl in Hertfordshire — and that is not me speaking with a sister’s partiality because everyone says it — so many people are drawn to her and she sees no faults in any of them.”

  “I can see why you have such affection for her. Such a lady must be treasured by everyone. There are far few people like her in the world.”

  Elizabeth agreed as she glanced up at Bingley’s open, cheery face. In some ways, he reminded her of Jane. Open hearted and affectionate, cheerful and with an easy manner. It was a shame Jane had not travelled to Derbyshire that summer. Elizabeth could not hope to marry Mr Darcy but there was every chance Jane might capture the heart of Mr Bingley.

  “Tell me more of Hertfordshire,” said Bingley with interest. “You say Meryton is not far from London?”

  “Not at all. Just a few hours ride.”

  “Hmmm.” Bingley lapsed into thought.

  “Do you intend to visit?” she asked lightly. If he did, he would meet Jane and he was sure to fall in love with her.

  “I intend a bit more than that, if I can have it,” he said with a smile. “My sisters are eager for me to buy an estate in the country for our family. One to hand on to the next generations, like Pemberley. But I am new to all of this and I have not had a father who could have taught me how to run an estate. I hope to try my hand at something easier first. If I could rent a fi
ne house and learn the running of it that way, I should feel easier about taking on the task. Darcy has offered to show me the ropes, so to speak. My sisters are trying to convince me to find an estate in Derbyshire, and though I would consider it in the future, for the moment, I would rather be within easy distance of London so I might continue learning more about my business. That, and as an unattached young man, it would suit me better to be near Town. I had thought of Kent or Surrey but I had not considered Hertfordshire. Your description of it sounds just the sort of thing I would like.”

  “Hertfordshire would be delighted to have you,” said Elizabeth. Her heart beat with excitement. “Meryton is a quiet little town but the people are warm and friendly and you would be sure of a welcome.”

  “I should like that above all things.” Bingley beamed down at her. “I do not suppose you know of any suitable estates that might be available in the area? A house of a good size, preferably set in a park or I should never hear the end of it from my sisters. An easy ride from the town, and a few hours from London.”

  Elizabeth thought about it. There were a few houses in and around Meryton but she imagined Bingley’s sisters would turn their noses up at them. Some of them were far too small for what Bingley had in mind and others were too old and damp to make a good home for anyone. Besides, Bingley said he wanted a park and they did not…

  The answer came to her, and she could have laughed out loud at her stupidity in not considering it before.

  “I have thought of the perfect place of you. There is a house not three miles from Longbourn called Netherfield Park. It answers everything you are seeking. It is large, but not so large as Pemberley. It has plenty of parkland. It is elegant so your sisters will be happy. And it has been wanting a tenant for some time now. The neighbourhood would be thrilled to know Netherfield Park is let at last.”

  “Netherfield Park,” Bingley mused. “I like the sound of it. I shall write to my man in London and ask him to send me on any details. If it is agreeable, I shall ride down to see it. Perhaps I shall ride down with you and your family when you are returning home if it would not be an imposition?”

  “Not at all. We should be delighted to have you along with us.”

  “And perhaps I should meet your family?” His tentative tone left Elizabeth in no doubt of who he really hoped to meet. She barely contained her grin as she told him it would be an honour.

  “Well, who would have thought that when I came to the garden this morning, you would help me solve a problem that has perplexed me for months,” said Bingley. “If I can take Netherfield Park, I shall be a happy man. And I am delighted to know our acquaintance will not come to an end when you leave, Miss Bennet.”

  “You should slow down, sir,” said Elizabeth, laughing. “You have not seen the house yet. You do not know if it will suit.”

  “I think it will,” said Bingley. “I have a good feeling about it. And besides, you say it is perfect and I trust your judgment. Well, shall we return to the house? I do not know about you but I am famished…”

  28

  They returned to the house in high spirits, though Elizabeth’s faltered slightly when she saw Miss Bingley on Darcy’s arm, laughing up at him as though he had said something hilarious.

  “Miss Bennet,” Darcy said. “I did not know you were in the garden or I should have come in search of you.”

  “We were down by the lake,” she said with a smile. Her flushed cheeks and bright eyes seemed to captivate him and he stared at her until Miss Bingley broke the silence, her voice louder than usual.

  “And what of you, Charles?” she said. “I thought you did not intend to walk today?”

  “I do not know why you thought such a thing, Caroline. I was at the stables, and walked down to join Miss Bennet’s party. The day was too nice to sit inside writing dull letters.”

  Miss Bingley still looked annoyed as they took their seats in the drawing room. She pinched her lips together.

  “I thought you intended to find a house for us? You will never learn how to run an estate if you do not apply yourself. Isn’t he dreadful, Mr. Darcy? I am sure you would never allow pleasure to take priority over your duties.”

  Bingley rested easily in his chair and relaxed with a smile. “That is where you are wrong. My walk with Miss Bennet allowed me to combine business with pleasure.”

  “What do you mean?” Darcy’s voice was harsh. His face was like flushed and his dark eyes flashed.

  “I mean,” Bingley beamed, “Miss Bennet has helped me resolve a problem that was troubling me for months. I believe I have found the perfect house for us to take. It is the right size, and within easy reach of London. The society is pleasant and friendly, and I have every reason to believe we shall be perfectly happy there.”

  “How has this come about so quickly?” Miss Bingley demanded. Her face was dismayed. “I thought you meant to take a place in Derbyshire?”

  “I never said such a thing before. You insisted I should look here, I never agreed to it. My plan was always that I should find a place near London.”

  “Where is this place?” Darcy asked. He looked between Bingley and Elizabeth, and his expression was uneasy. “And what has it to do with Miss Bennet? Miss Bennet, where do you come into this?”

  Bingley and Elizabeth exchanged grins. A shadow passed over Darcy’s face as he saw it.

  “I happened to mention my problem to Miss Bennet. I told her of my desire to find a place where I could practice running an estate. As it happened, Miss Bennet knew the perfect place for me, only three miles from her home. I can be in London in only a few hours, and Miss Bennet assures me Netherfield Park is perfect for my purposes.” He smiled around at everyone. “I will write to my man immediately, and ask that he send me any information he can find. If it appears to suit, I hope to take up residence there by the end of the summer.”

  Darcy’s eyes were on Elizabeth’s face, and he did not look pleased. Elizabeth was puzzled by his reaction. Why should it concern him if Bingley took a house near her home?

  “Mr. Bingley tells me that you intend to help him learn how to run an estate,” she said. “Does that mean you will join him if Mr. Bingley decides to take Netherfield Park?”

  “I did promise him that, yes.” Darcy’s face was still grim with displeasure. Elizabeth could not work out what was the matter. She had a sinking feeling he disapproved of the plan, and she worried that is also indicated a certain disapproval of her. Did he think she suggested the idea as a way to get to either him or Bingley?

  Whatever the reason, it was clear the idea of extending their acquaintance did not please him. Even though she knew he would never seriously consider her, she never expected him to look so dark and forbidding at the possibility of spending more time with her. She swallowed back her hurt.

  Bingley also seemed to notice Darcy’s displeasure. He frowned at his friend. “Do you not think it a capital idea? You will be within reach of Georgiana all winter. And I am sure you will be happy to extend your acquaintance with Miss Bennet. We will be able to travel to and from London with ease for the season.”

  “Yes, I am sure it has all worked out very well.”

  Elizabeth felt her irritation grow. Whatever was wrong with Darcy, she did not mean to tease it out of him. If he was so distressed at the idea of he and Bingley staying near her all winter, she would not worry about such a ridiculous problem. Let him feel as displeased as he liked.

  “Yes, it has,” she said with a slight bite in her voice. “I look forward to introducing Mr Bingley to the neighbourhood. And you too, if you are there and if you are so inclined. Though I know you do not like to mix with neighbourhoods in general.”

  Darcy turned to stare at her. What he was thinking she could not be sure as he did not speak. He merely nodded curtly and looked away.

  “Are you sure this is a good idea, Charles?” Miss Bingley demanded. “I am sure Hertfordshire is all very well, but, and I hope Miss Eliza forgives me for saying so, would Ken
t not be a better choice? Mr Darcy’s aunt lives near there, you know. Or even Surrey. I think it would be much more to our taste. There are some delightful little villages there with very charming houses that would suit us. Leatherhead or Highbury would perfectly answer for…”

  “I am sure they would, Caroline, and if Netherfield Park does not suit, I am quite happy to consider either of them,” said Bingley with a touch of impatience. “But I am anxious to find a house for the winter and now is the time to search for one.”

  Darcy frowned. “You are not absolutely settled on Hertfordshire then?”

  Bingley looked a little perplexed by the question. “Not absolutely, no. How could I be? I only considered it within the last half an hour. But it is a fair prospect, so I am determined to pursue it.”

  “Then you have no particular wish to be in Hertfordshire?”

  “Only in so far as it seems to answer exactly what I have been hoping for and have discussed with you many times.”

  Darcy nodded thoughtfully, but his mood brightened. “Well, then I think it an excellent idea that you consider it. You may use my study if you wish to write to your agent. I am not using it for the afternoon.”

  “Thank you.” Bingley gave Darcy another puzzled look then shook his head and left the room to write his letter.

  Whatever had been concerning Darcy appeared to lift. His mood brightened and he asked Elizabeth questions about Hertfordshire and the nearby town.

  “I like Bingley’s idea of travelling with you,” he said. “If it all comes to pass, and I hope it does, we shall make great time on the road.”

  Miss Bingley watched as Darcy went out of his way to be agreeable to Elizabeth. Her eyes narrowed.

  “I suppose Meryton is a small place?” she asked her.

  “Quite small. A typical market town. We have four and twenty families that we dine with.”

  “And I suppose there is a dearth of eligible men?” Miss Bingley tilted her head with concern. “I wonder your mother does not worry for your futures, Miss Eliza.”